Section: Preventive Care

Senior Dog Checkup: What Should Be Included?

Senior dog checkups look for changes that owners may mistake for normal aging. Dental pain, arthritis, lumps, heart disease, weight change, cognitive decline, kidney disease, and hormone problems are common discussion points. Bring a list of behavior, appetite, thirst, mobility, and medication changes.

What symptoms or causes should I watch for?

  • Mobility pain: Stiffness, slipping, lagging on walks, or reluctance to jump may mean arthritis.
  • Dental disease: Bad breath and chewing changes can signal painful oral disease.
  • Lumps and bumps: New, growing, bleeding, or irritated masses should be documented.
  • Cognitive change: Night waking, confusion, pacing, or house soiling can occur in senior dogs.
  • Organ screening: Blood and urine testing can detect kidney, liver, endocrine, or metabolic changes.

What can I safely do at home right now?

  • Make a change list: Write down mobility, appetite, thirst, urination, cough, weight, and behavior changes.
  • Photograph lumps: Track size, location, color, and growth rate.
  • Bring medications: Include supplements, preventives, and any leftover drugs.
  • Ask about pain: Do not assume slowing down is only age.
  • Review lab screening: Ask whether blood work, urine testing, or blood pressure checks are appropriate.

When is this an emergency?

Go to an emergency veterinary clinic now if you notice:

  • Collapse, trouble breathing, seizures, or pale gums.
  • Rapid belly swelling, unproductive retching, or severe pain.
  • Not eating, repeated vomiting, or severe diarrhea.
  • Sudden inability to walk or severe weakness.
  • Bleeding mass, rapidly growing lump, or major behavior change.

What will my veterinarian check?

Your veterinarian may assess body condition, mouth, heart, lungs, joints, lumps, neurologic status, cognition, blood work, urine, and blood pressure.

How can I reduce the risk next time?

Use regular senior exams to catch pain, dental disease, organ changes, and weight shifts before they become crises.

Related veterinary guides

References

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, does not establish a vet-client-patient relationship, and should not replace an in-person evaluation by a licensed veterinarian.